Charlize Zmuda was surfing off the coast of Bribie Island in Queensland, Australia, when she was bitten by a shark and suffered catastrophic injuries, and sadly died at the scene
Queensland: Teenage girl dies after fatal shark attack
A popular teenager ripped apart by a shark during an afternoon swim had earlier posted a final, haunting social media post about her love of the sea.
Charlize Zmuda, 17, suffered “catastrophic injuries” to her arm and body in a horror incident at around 4.45pm Monday local time on Bribie Island in Queensland, Australia . Beachgoers reported hearing screams as paramedics rushed to the scene, but she was unable to be saved and died of her injuries.
The teen’s last social media post showed Charlize at the idyllic beach with her surf board, while another photo showed her enjoying the ocean waves. She wrote simply: “Bribie ‘25.”
Several friends responded with their messages of love and support. One said: “Rest in peace beautiful, you seemed to love the ocean so much.”
Another added: “I’m so lucky to have known you, rest in peace gorgeous girl.” Another said: “May you rest in peace. My heart is just broken for you and your family.”
Earlier today, her father Steven Zmuda told ABC he hoped people would continue to go to the beach, despite the tragedy which cost his daughter her life. He said: “I never wanted a moment like this to happen to anybody and (for it) to be my daughter is a killer, she’s hopefully upstairs with my late father.
“When I got the tragic news yesterday, I was extremely gutted, but something that my wife and I want to say is we don’t want people to stop coming to the beach and enjoying our beach. It’s a big part of our lives. We’ve got family here … the community … and we love everybody here, so please still come to the beach and enjoy the surrounds of every beach up and down the coast.”
A GoFundMe has been set up in Charlize’s memory, describing her as: “Kind, funny, charming, beautiful, smart, loving, cheeky, brave, strong.” It goes on to say: “There are so many words, yet none truly describe Charlize. She lived for the beach; it was her home.
“A volunteer surf lifesaver, a singer, an adventurer, a nipper, a racer, a grade 12 student, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. Charlize passed away on Woorim beach. Her beach, the same beach she patrols, camps, surfs and swims with her family, club and best friends. Cha cha we love you.”
Bribie Island Tigers Football Club, who Charlize played for for five seasons, paid tribute to the teen on social media. They wrote: “Our Tigers Football Family sends its deepest and sincere condolences to the heartbroken family and friends of Charlize Zmuda. We join our hurting Bribie Island Community in mourning the tragic loss of Charlize, who was amazingly talented, kind and an inspiration to many.
“Charlize was a proud Tiger, playing in our All Girls eam for five consecutive seasons, from U10-U14’s. She was brave, gifted and a committed team player who on many occasions was awarded ‘Player of the Match’. Charlize would also help volunteering in our canteen, always happy with a big smile and her positive attitude.
“In our thoughts at this incredibly sad time are her past Club team-mates and their families, team coaches and managers and Committee members. Charlize’s family and friends will continue to be in our thoughts. We will pay our greatest respects in as many ways as possible in the days ahead in tribute.”
Earlier, MP Ariana Doolan posted on social media to share her sadness at Charlize’s death. She wrote: “My heart goes out to Charlize and her family as we all come to terms with someone so young and vibrant losing their life.
“This devastating event has deeply shaken our close-knit community, leaving friends, and local residents grieving the heartbreaking loss of a young life taken too soon. I have been speaking with Charlize’s father today who I know personally and my heart goes out to him and his family during this unimaginable time.
“The family is a huge part of our region and it will take the entire community to rally around them with support. A vigil is being held this evening at 6pm at the entrance to the beach at Fifth Avenue. Members of the community are welcome to come and honour Charlize’s life.”
